If you are tired of spending money to buy new fresh herbs for each season or do not have enough time to plant and grow new herbs each season then we will show you today how to deal with this problem with these few annual herbs that retail and simple cultivation could flourish in subsequent seasons.
Oregano
Plant Growth Tip:
You can plant oregano in your garden as a companion to vegetables. All you have to do is plant it in a garden area exposed to sunlight and the soil in which you plant it will be well-drained.
Harvesting:
Gather the flower buds of the richest flower. Cut scissors, then wrap them all in paper and allow them to dry in a dry, dark place.
Uses:
- Oregano is one of the most versatile cooking herbs and is essential to have on hand for any sauces or homemade pizza.
- Plant oregano as a border along with vegetable gardens – particularly cabbage family crops – to attract pollinators and help healthy plant growth.
Rosemary
Plant Growth Tip:
Rosemary is a plant that thrives on well-drained sandy soil exposed to sunlight. Its roots spread very quickly, which means you need to plant it wide enough. You should irrigate rosemary often but be careful not to leave the soil wet for too long.
Harvesting:
You should cut this plant once a week and fresh cuttings should be used immediately. We recommend cutting 2 or 3 inches from the plant at the same time to ensure the healthy growth of rosemary. To dry the plant all you have to do is leave it to blossom and then grab a large bunch of lavender stalks near the base and cut with sharp shears. Tie the bundle together and hang upside down in a warm-dry place that is out of direct sunlight. After about 2-4 weeks the lavender is ready to be used. Gently shake off blossoms and leaves into an airtight jar.
Uses:
- Fresh or dried lavender can be used as a vibrant and delicious garnish on a number of dishes including homemade ice cream, bread, and salad.
- Make sachets of dried lavender out of breathable fabric and place under your pillow to enhance sleep quality.
Lavender
Plant Growth Tip:
Lavender is also a plant that needs sunlight. All you have to do is find a place in the garden that is exposed to the sun and drain the soil well because lavender does not want moist soil. Once you have found a place and drain the soil well you can plant lavender.
Harvesting:
Take a large pile of lavender stalks near the base and cut them with sharp scissors. Tie the package together and hang upside down in a warm, dry place outside of direct sunlight. After about 2-4 weeks the lavender is ready to use. Gently release the flowers and leave in an airtight jar. This process is best done when the lavender forms buds, but before the flowers are fully opened.
Uses:
- Fresh or dried lavender can be used as a vibrant and delicious garnish on a number of dishes including homemade ice cream, bread, and salad.
- Make sachets of dried lavender out of breathable fabric and place under your pillow to enhance sleep quality.
Chives
Plant Growth Tip:
This plant can spread very quickly if left to seed. All you have to do is replace the soil with organic material such as compost. The soil where you plan to plant chives should also be exposed to the sun and the soil moist and well-drained.
Harvesting:
Harvest 60 days after seeding. Chop leaves back, leaving the plant 1-2 inches above the soil. Freeze chives in an airtight bag or use fresh. Harvest 3-4 times in the first year and monthly in the subsequent growing seasons.
Uses:
- Sprinkle fresh chives on a baked potato.
- Add to omelets or other egg dishes.
- Use as a fragrant garnish for fish.
Sage
Plant Growth Tip:
Sage is most successful when sown from a young plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but don’t allow water to sit. Prune back the thick, woody stems every spring to increase production and flavor.
Harvesting:
Harvest lightly in the first growing season by clipping off a few inches of the plant right above the spot where the leaves meet. Layout leaves on a flat surface to dry and crumble them as needed for seasoning.
Uses:
- Sage brings great flavor to any meat dish, especially poultry.
- The leaves and branches are often used in festive activities such as wreath and potpourri-making where they provide wonderful fragrance, texture, and color.
THYME
Plant Growth Tip:
As with most herbs, less is more when it comes to caring for thyme. It thrives in hot conditions with full sun and all it needs is thorough watering when the soil is dry to flourish. It is often tricky to start from seed so it is best to plant a small thyme plant for optimal results.
Harvesting:
Thyme sprigs can be harvested and used fresh just before the plant flowers or anytime throughout the growing season. It can also be dried or frozen in an airtight container for later use.
Regular pruning encourages more growth and a rounded shape. Leave at least 5 inches of growth after a mass harvest.
USES:
- Thyme pairs extremely well with mushrooms, eggplant, tomatoes, fish, chicken, and roast potatoes in various savory dishes.
- This thyme-infused spray is great for the scalp and fixing a dry scalp while promoting healthy hair growth.
- Here are some more brilliant ways to use all the thyme you harvest.
MINT
Plant Growth Tip:
When mint planting is best to do with established mint growth rather than with seed. Mint can be planted in the garden or pots.
Note: This is a vibrant perennial and will often be expanded to fill any available space.
Harvesting:
Pick leaves as you need them or cut down to one inch above the soil right before flowering.
USES:
- Mint is incredibly versatile and can be added to just about any sweet or savory dish for a unique flavor boost.
- Mix in fresh mint leaves with berries and Greek yogurt.
- Use in tea or freeze in ice cubes for a refreshing drink.
- Add to salads with a light vinaigrette dressing.
